Ford F150 Brake Question

[DawnCt]

My DS drove our pick up truck the other night and about 1 mile from home noticed a burning smell. By the time he got in the yard, smoke was coming from the brakes and they were very hot. No brake lights were on, no emergency brake was on so I am not sure what happened. Its been very cold in Ct. Will I be able to drive the truck to a brake shop about 5 miles away or will I have to have it towed? Also, I would like to have some idea about what could be wrong so I could sound somewhat knowledgable and don't end up with a repair job that I don't need. Thanks in advance!!

 

[palmtreegirl]

OK, I'm on the phone with my DH right now and here's what he's saying-

First thing- Check to see if there's a puddle(brake fluid) on the ground under the truck today. Look under the hood and check the brake fluid holder, it should be on the top right hand side of the motor.

If it's empty you have a brake fluid leak, because the fluid leaks onto the brake drums and causes the smell and smoke.

If this is the case, top off the brake fluid if you have some at the house and then you should be able to get the truck to the shop.

If you can't get any brake fluid you should have the truck towed because technically your brakes could fail if you don't top off with brake fluid before you drive it.

I hope that helped you out!!

 

[MICKEY88]

if the brakes were hot, I don't think it's a leak...sounds more like you had a caliper sticking..hgow old is the truck...

 

[DawnCt]

Thanks for both responses. I will check. The truck has about 60 K and is a 97.

 

[MICKEY88]

probably a caliper...it could be due to normal failure at that mileage or could have frozen up due to temps..

hopefully the rotor didn't warp from the heat..

 

[ToyStory Fan]

sounds like a frozen (stuck) caliper. You can check here if it is a common problem or not...www.f150online.com F150 enthusiast's forum

 

[DawnCt]

You guys are great! Thanks